Genes and proteins that home to developing microvessels

Abstract

Described herein are polypeptides that home to developing microvasculature, (also referred to as developing microvessels), such as newly developing microvasculature in mammals, particularly in humans, and to DNA that encodes such polypeptides. These polypeptides are referred to herein as developing microvasculature homing polypeptides. In a specific embodiment, the homing peptides are collateral vessel endothelia (CVE) homing polypeptides, which have been shown to home to collateral vessel endothelia after ischemia.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A developing vessel homing polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence PTLAVYSPHRLVMFIFIMIRKKHHFLLWLYAYFM (amino acid residues 14-47 of SEQ ID NO: 18). 
     
     
       2. The homing polypeptide of  claim 1  coupled to a therapeutic moiety. 
     
     
       3. The homing polypeptide of  claim 2 , wherein the therapeutic moiety is ricin, a radioisotope, a clotting agent, a thrombolytic factor, a chemotherapeutic agent, a radiosensitizing agent, an anti-angiogenesis agent, an anti-motility agent or an immunomodulatory agent. 
     
     
       4. A pharmaceutical composition comprising (a) the homing polypeptide of  claim 1 , (b) a therapeutic agent and (c) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
       5. The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 4 , wherein the therapeutic agent enhances collateral development or decreases microvasculature development. 
     
     
       6. A pharmaceutical composition comprising (a) the homing polypeptide of  claim 1  coupled to a therapeutic moiety and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
       7. A kit comprising the homing polypeptide of  claim 1 . 
     
     
       8. The homing polypeptide of  claim 1  encoded by SEQ ID NO:7.